FELIKS BILOS

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FELIKS BILOS Passed away peacefully on July 1, 2003 at Seven Oaks Hospital at the age of 91 years. A devoted husband and father, he was predeceased by his wife Maria in 1997 and is survived by his son Richard and his wife Anna as well as numerous relatives residing in Poland. Born in Krolowka, Poland, Feliks was the eldest of 12 children. As a young man, he left the family homestead to serve in the Polish army. Throughout the war and his life, he faced many challenges and adversities that he undertook bravely, surviving as a POW in Siberia, later fighting in North Africa and Italy. He was decorated for his actions at the battle of Monte Cassino. After the war, Feliks decided to begin a new life and settled in Canada where he met and wed his wife of 45 years Maria and started a family. He was fortunate to return to Poland on several occasions, the most significant being with his wife and family in 1967, where he was able to be reunited with his mother and siblings after having been lost to them for nearly 32 years. It was a joyous reunion marred by the passing of his elderly mother one week following his return to Canada. Feliks was a loyal and dependable employee of Dominion Bridge Canada for 29 years until his retirement in 1977. He worked as a crane operator and maintained a perfect safety record of which he was very proud. Feliks had many interests, he had a love for life and lived it to the fullest. He was a longstanding member of the Holy Ghost Roman Catholic parish as well as belonging to the Royal Canadian Legion, Andrew Mynarski Branch No. 34, Polish Combatants Assoc. No. 13. He had a musical talent and was known to his many friends as "Feliks the trumpet", being often called upon to perform at weddings, festivities, and funerals including playing Taps for fallen comrades. He also enjoyed the outdoors, spending time hunting, fishing, and gathering wild mushrooms and blueberries. During his retirement years he loved to socialize with his family and friends and enjoyed many summers tending his garden especially his tomatoes while his beloved cat was never far from his side. In later years he became a resident of St. Josephs PCH, where his spirit remained strong and dear to his family. He will be sadly missed by his family, friends and all those who knew him. His memory will always be cherished. The family would like to thank all the staff at St. Josephs PCH involved in his care in addition to the nursing and medical staff at Seven Oaks Hospital for all the care they provided in his final hours. Prayers will be said on Sunday, July 6 at 4:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 7 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Ghost Roman Catholic Church, 341 Selkirk Ave. Interment will follow in Holy Ghost Cemetery. Forever Loved and Remembered God Rest Your Soul CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 05, 2003